Equip Exposition Shines Again with Three Gold 100 Award Nominations in 2026

Equip Exposition Nominated for Gold 100 Awards

Equip Exposition, recognized as the largest trade show and educational gathering for landscapers, contractors, and dealers of outdoor power equipment, has once again garnered attention in the industry by being nominated in three categories for the Gold 100 Awards by Trade Show Executive. The nominated categories include "The Marketing Genius Award," "The Best Attendee Acquisition Model," and "The Stickiest Show Floor in 2025."

Kris Kiser, President of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), which manages the event, emphasized the significance of these nominations as a reflection of the team's continuous effort to provide high-quality programming and impactful experiences for all participants. Kiser stated, "We work year-round to make Equip impactful and welcoming--and most importantly deliver real-world business results for everyone who attends."

Since OPEI took control and rebranded the exhibition in 2022, Equip has impressed industry observers by accumulating a total of 16 Grand Award nominations, including accolades such as "Greatest Trade Show of 2024" and "Most Innovative Show." This year marks the fifth consecutive time Equip's trade show floor has sold out well in advance, attracted by a track record of excellence and innovation.

In 2025, Equip attracted an impressive 30,000 registered contractors, dealers, and manufacturers to its expansive 1.2 million square feet venue. Notably, participation increased in several key demographic segments: landscapers were up by 12 percent and dealer attendance soared 17 percent. Kiser highlighted that there is no other venue that showcases such a comprehensive range of industry technology in a single location, which includes smart technologies for outdoor power equipment, hardscape developments, irrigation systems, and safety features.

The upcoming Equip Exposition is scheduled for October 20-23 at the Kentucky Exposition Center. A crucial update for attendees is that beginning in 2029, the exposition will introduce a two-city rotation, allowing it to biannually alternate between Louisville and Orlando. Equip will be hosted in Orlando for both the 2029 and 2031 events, while returning to Louisville in 2030 and staying on this alternating schedule thereafter.

One of the unique highlights of the show is the 30-acre Outdoor Demo Yard where participants are encouraged to interact and test the latest equipment hands-on. Attendees can engage in activities such as mowing, mulching, and even test their driving skills on the UTV Test Track, which features a challenging environment with mud, rocks, and curves.

In addition to product demonstrations, Equip Exposition creates a platform for knowledge exchange among participants through peer-to-peer networking and educational sessions. Building on its emphasis on learning, a new initiative—Equip Academy—will facilitate learning beyond the event through at-home workshop content tailored for attendees.

The event also features several key social activities including a welcome reception hosted on the opening Tuesday at Churchill Downs, a Wednesday concert at Fourth Street Live!, sponsored by the Propane Education & Research Council, and a Thursday closing party at Old Forester's Paristown Hall, sponsored by Gravely. These social events not only enrich attendees' experiences but also deepen networking opportunities.

The Gold 100 Summit, which honors the best trade shows across the United States, will present the awards in Palos Verdes, California, from September 22-24. Individuals interested in attending Equip may take advantage of early-bird registration for just $30 until September 10, after which prices will increase to $60 and ultimately $120 on the day of the event. For more information on registration and accommodation, visit the official Equip Exposition website.

In conclusion, Equip Exposition stands as a testament to outstanding achievement in the trade show landscape, driven by an unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in the outdoor equipment sector. This year's nominations for the Gold 100 Awards reflect a proud tradition of success and the promise of continued growth and engagement for years to come.